University of Virginia Library

LETTER CLXXVIII.[1]

I have just received your letter of the 12th: with what
sensations I read it, you can judge better than I can describe.
I hope you will not leave Virginia; and above all, for a climate
the most noxious to your particular habit. My heart
gushes over towards you. To establish yourself in your

profession, where you are, requires only a little time and patience.
You are surrounded by respectable persons, to whom
you are known, and by whom you are respected; with whom
you can associate on terms of equality and freedom. This
is no light advantage—not to be given up but upon the most
cogent considerations. The cloud that overhangs Richmond
will pass away: mean while, consider me your banker; and
if your pride revolt at the obligation, I will consent to reimbursement
out of the first fruits of your practice. But it
ought not so to revolt, because it will wound the already
bruised.

Tell Harry T. that I learned yesterday, for the first time,
that he was in Richmond. God bless him, and you too, my
dear Theodore.